Nursing Schools in  Colorado  

When you decide to start or go back to nursing school and you’re ready to begin your search of nursing schools, Colorado is a great place to begin looking. As an LPN, RN, or advanced practice nurse, you can make a difference in the lives of patients and strengthen the healthcare industry with the work you do every day. Whether you’re looking at using your bachelor’s degree to jump start your nursing career or you’re brand new to healthcare and just beginning to explore your nursing options, finding an accredited nursing school in Colorado is a great next step.  Since there are many nursing schools in Colorado, you have a great selection of nursing degree programs throughout the state.

On this page you’ll find information on what makes nursing in Colorado unique, the nursing degree programs available in the state, how to get licencolumbiased as a nurse in Colorado and where else you’re able to practice with your CO license, career and salary growth data for nurses in Colorado, and the top employers of nurses in Colorado.

When you’re ready to take the next step and get in contact with schools, its simple – just click on the “learn more” links next to the programs that interest you, or use the quick search box to find a program near you!

Featured Programs:

Sponsored School(s)

Grand Canyon University

Featured Program: B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N); M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education; M.B.A & M.S. Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems; D.N.P.: Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Walden University

Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program; Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education

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Liberty University

Featured Program: BSN: Nursing - RN to BSN; MSN: Nursing Informatics; DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner; PHD: Nursing: Nursing Education

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What Makes Nursing in Colorado Different from Other States?

Nurses are a critical element of Colorado’s healthcare delivery system. Like other parts of America, Colorado faces a demand for nurses that exceeds its supply. In 2018, Colorado passed legislation to maintain participation in an enhanced multistate license that allows nurses to practice in participating states.

The Colorado Nursing Shortage

The need for nurses is expected to increase as the population ages and nurses who are currently working retire. There aren’t enough new nursing graduates to replenish the workforce. In a report from the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, conservative assumptions indicate the state will be short 6,300 registered nurses in 2018. Colorado is experiencing both a shortage of nurses and a shortage of nursing teachers, which compounds the problem.

In January, 2018, the Colorado legislature passed a bill to continue an agreement with other states. The enhanced nurse license compact (eNLC) allows nurses to obtain a nursing license that lets them practice in participating states. Nurses with an original nurse license compact (NLC) multistate license are grandfathered into the eNLC.

Over the next five years, both the demand and the median salaries for nurses in Colorado are expected to be above the average for the United States. Hospitals in Colorado indicate a strong preference for nurses with a BSN and experience.

The Effects of Medical Marijuana on Colorado Healthcare

In 2014, when Colorado legalized the use of cannabis, critics claimed it would create numerous problems. There has been a lot of discussion surrounding marijuana-related ER and hospital admissions, impaired driving, and crime, as well as questions about how it could impact the state’s youth population. Arguments abound regarding the pros and cons of all these issues and others.

More than a dozen experts combed through 10,000 studies on the subject published since 1999. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released findings of the review in 2017. The report found both benefits and downsides that have potential impacts on healthcare.

The effects may be felt more acutely in areas like Colorado that face a nursing shortage. The report encourages additional programs to promote the development of conclusive evidence on both the beneficial and harmful effects of short- and long-term effects of cannabis use.

Nursing Scholarships in Colorado  

One of the major advantages of starting your nursing education in Colorado is the variety of scholarships available to undergraduate nursing students. The Colorado Nurses Foundation provides funding for undergraduate students through scholarships and grants. The Central Colorado AHEC awards scholarships that are worth up to $15,000 per year. The Friends of Nursing is an organization that’s based in Colorado and provides financial aid to nursing students. Scholarships are also available through the Colorado Nurses Association.

Nursing Education in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, there are several types of nursing programs you may want to consider. Licensed practical nurses work underneath registered nurses and take on some of the same responsibilities. To become an LPN, you need to earn a one-year diploma or certificate at a nursing school. If you would rather go straight to working as a registered nurse, you can look into two-year associate’s degree programs or bachelor’s degree programs.

Nursing Education & Career Information in Colorado Metros

• Denver

Nursing Degree Programs in Colorado

Below, we have compiled a list of nursing programs types. If you already know which direction you want to take your career, just click on the associated link below. Many of these pages will direct you to the Colorado page for that degree program; others will take you to a main page that gives an overview of the program with a list of CO schools you can contact.

Bridge programs for nurses:

• All LPN to RN Programs in CO
• All RN to BSN Programs in CO

Graduate programs for nurses:

• All Masters in Nursing Programs in CO
• All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in CO
• All Nurse Practitioner Programs in CO

Entry level nursing programs:

• All LPN/LVN Programs in CO
• All Associate Degree Nursing Programs in CO
• Four Year Bachelor’s Degree (U.S.)
• All Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in CO
• Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs in CO
• RN Programs

Complete List of Nursing Schools in Colorado

Below you will find detailed information about all of the schools that offer nursing degree programs in the Centennial State. The data was compiled using the most recent information supplied by the Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System (Ipeds) and each school’s own website. You can find average annual tuition, the amount of financial aid each nursing school typically awards, and details about the types of nursing programs offered at each school. If you are looking for nursing schools in a specific region of the state, just scroll down to the Colorado schools in that location.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Colorado

As a nurse who understands the different factors that make a nursing school a great choice, I selected the top ten schools in Colorado for nursing. As a nurse, I know that not everyone has the same end goals or nursing career aspirations, and I understand that offering a list of the best schools in the state needs to be both broad and narrow at the same time. Instead of using some cookie cutter ranking system for nursing schools like you see all over the web, I wanted to actually rank the best Colorado nursing schools according to what I know is important as a nurse.

Below, you will find detailed information about each of the schools that I feel represent the best places to get a nursing education in the Centennial State. Whether you are just starting out in the field of nursing, or if you are planning to get your advanced nursing degree, you can find the best schools for nursing in Colorado listed below.

Nursing Schools in Boulder Area

Nursing Schools in Aurora Area

Nursing Schools in Colorado Springs Area

Nursing Schools in Denver Area

Nursing Schools on the Western Slope

Learning outcomes are specific to each school and even different programs within each school, so you may want to become familiar with what is expected of Colorado nursing students at your school. While you work through your curriculum, you may develop competency in evidence-based practice, teamwork with other health care professionals, safety in practice, patient-centered care, nursing informatics, and nursing leadership.

The curriculum for nursing programs in Colorado may be divided into core classes and high-level classes. Early on in your nursing degree, Colorado programs may require classes like Pharmacology for Nurses, Patient-Centered Health Assessment, and Pathophysiology. Later courses in your curriculum may include Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Nursing Care of Childbearing Families, Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice, and Community Health Promotion.

Throughout the duration of your program, you should complete a range of clinical hours. Colorado nursing schools tend to require at least 600 clinical hours. They may be spread out among clinics, hospitals, and other practice settings.

To finally become a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse in Colorado, you must apply for licensure through the Colorado Board of Nursing. To become an LPN, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-RN is required for registered nurses. Once you’re a licensed nurse in Colorado, you can work to the full extent of your knowledge and training.

Colorado Nursing Licensure

The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees licensing of all nurses in the state. Colorado is a compact state. The enhanced nurse license compact (eNLC) allows nurses to obtain a nursing license that lets them practice in participating states without having to obtain additional licenses.

Nurses in eNLC states are permitted to provide care within their home state and within other eNLC states. The compact increases access to care while providing public protection at the state level.

eNLC allows licensure by exam or by endorsement. License by examination is required for nurses being licensed for the first time. They must pass the standardized National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) prior to licensure. License by endorsement is for nurses who are already licensed to work as Registered Nurses within the United States but, are applying for a license in order to be eligible to work in another jurisdiction.

Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence are eligible for a multistate license. A resident of a non-compact state may apply for a license in a compact state, but eligibility will be valid in that state only.

In order to earn a license in Colorado, nurses must meet educational and clinical requirements.

Certified Nursing Aides (CNA)

Many nurses choose to start as a nursing assistant or aide. In Colorado, only Certified Nursing Aides (CNA) can provide direct care to patients. Nursing assistants work under supervision of a registered nurse. They take vital signs, draw blood, and perform other basic duties in all types of health-care facilities.

Basic Requirements:

• Complete a state-accredited training program
  • minimum 75 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction
  • minimum 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
• Pass state nurse aide competency exam

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) work under supervision of an RN or physician. They provide basic care for patients, assist with medical procedures, keep clerical records, and other nursing tasks.

LPN programs are offered at accredited junior and community colleges, and some vocational schools. Required classes include study of the foundations of nursing and nursing skills.

Basic Requirements:

• Complete a state-accredited training program
  • requires 350 hours supervised clinical experience
• Complete the application process and pay required fees
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses perform nursing functions, such as handling medications and patient reports while working closely with physicians. They may have supervisory duties with oversight of nursing aides and LPNs.

Potential RNs can earn a diploma from an approved hospital program, an associate’s degree, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. Each program includes supervised clinical experience.

An associate’s degree in nursing includes courses in anatomy, nursing, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology among others. It usually take 2 years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

BSNs typically take 4 years and complete classes such as Current Issues in Contemporary Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Population Health, and Clinical Updates in Nursing.

Registered nurses (RN) in Colorado must meet educational and clinical requirements to earn a license to practice. The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees licensing of all nurses in the state.

Basic requirements:

• Complete program in professional nursing approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing
  • requires 750 clock hours of clinical experience
• Apply to the Colorado Board to take the NCLEX-RN exam; include transcript and fees
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
• Complete fingerprint background check process.

Advanced Practice Nursing (APN)

Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) includes Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner.

Basic Requirements:

• Hold an active or pending Colorado RN license
• Complete the application process and pay required fees
• Provide verification of National Certification (AANP, ANCCC, PNCB, AMCB, NCC, etc.) at the time you apply.
• Select population focus (Clinical Nurse Specialist & Nurse Practitioner only)
• Supply verification of education or active licensure and practice for each focus you wish to obtain.

Nursing Degree Program Requirements in CO

Read on for a brief overview of the acceptance and graduation requirements for different nursing education types in Colorado.

LPN Programs in Colorado

If you are just starting to get involved in nursing, you may want to become a licensed practical nurse. This is a fast-paced program that may permit you to get your LPN certification in just one year. Over a period of two semesters, you may study pathophysiology, pharmacology, core nursing procedures, and the basic tenets of patient care. You may be able to use your LPN education to further your training in the future. Some schools allow you to transfer LPN credits to an RN or BSN program.

• Need a high school diploma or GED
• Programs require an average of 33 credits
• No fully online programs are available, since clinical experience is mandatory for graduation
• Must pass NCLEX-PN for license

RN Programs in Colorado

Registered nurses perform nursing functions, such as handling medications and patient reports, while working closely with physicians. They may have supervisory duties with oversight of nursing aides and LPNs.

Potential RNs can earn a diploma from an approved hospital program, an associate’s degree, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. Each program includes supervised clinical experiences that each candidate must complete.

RNs typically complete classes such as Current Issues in Contemporary Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Population Health, and Clinical Updates in Nursing.

Registered nurses (RN) in Colorado must meet educational and clinical requirements to earn a license to practice. The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees licensing of all nurses in the state.

• Complete Colorado Board of Nursing approved program in professional nursing
  • Colorado requires 750 clock hours of clinical experience
• Apply to the Colorado Board to take the NCLEX-RN exam; include transcript and fees
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

BSN Programs in Colorado

Many students enjoy the convenience of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At most nursing schools, the Bachelor’s-level nursing degree in Colorado requires four years of full-time study. Once you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, you may take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed. This type of program goes into much greater detail than LPN and RN programs, covering a wide array of specialties and care settings.

• Must have a high school diploma or GED, clean background check, and good physical health; most schools require a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Programs require no fewer than 120 credits
• Clinical rotations are mandatory, limiting online study options to blended programs
• Must pass NCLEX-RN to become licensed

Colorado MSN Schools

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or another field, a Master’s degree may fit your needs. By earning a graduate degree, you may give yourself the chance to apply for much more advanced nursing jobs. In the world of clinical care, you may specialize in nurse practitioner care, nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, or clinical nurse specialist care.

Those who are focused on the administrative side of nursing also have several options. Options include nursing informatics, nurse administration, and nursing research. From start to finish, an MSN degree typically lasts two to three years. There are some graduate-level online nursing programs in Colorado, although these programs are usually restricted to administrative specialties.

• Must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a current nursing license
• Credits range from 30 to 55 credit hours
• Certain MSN programs are available in an online format
• Tests determined by each national certification agency

DNP and PhD Nursing Programs in Colorado

Depending on which type of doctoral degree you earn, you may have the opportunity to pursue an online nursing degree in Colorado. Doctoral programs vary in length, but often range from four to six years in duration.

• Need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a current Colorado nursing license
• Must earn up to 90 credits of graduation
• May be able to complete some coursework online
• Testing requirements set by each national certification agency

Nursing Bridge Programs in CO

You may already have a degree, and you’re hoping that you don’t have to start from the beginning in your nursing education. You’re in luck; many Colorado schools have bridge programs that accommodate the needs of nontraditional students.

If you began your education with an LPN or RN degree and you want to take it up a notch, you may use your experience to save time. Many LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and RN-to-MSN programs have stringent education requirements. You need at least one to two years of nursing experience to be accepted. Your work experience counts for some or all of your required clinical hours, permitting you to do some or all of your training online.

You may have a Bachelor’s degree from another field of study. If so, your general education credits may transfer and help you complete your BSN in as little as 12 months. These programs are accelerated in nature, so they require a full-time commitment. Many Colorado schools forbid outside employment for the duration of your program. Rather than focusing on your general education courses, you move straight into nursing theory and clinical rotations. You must get experience in a variety of clinical settings prior to graduation.

Tips for Choosing the Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Now you know what nursing degree you need to get your career going. The next step is to choose a school that fits your learning style and talents. You may want to start by requesting information from Colorado nursing schools near you. As you receive information from them, you can learn more about their student success rates and the features they offer.

It’s recommended that you set aside time to visit each of the schools on your list. Nothing compares to actually seeing a school in person and listening to your gut instincts. By talking to students and teachers, you may find a nursing program that is well-suited to you. You may want to draw up a list of questions to ask schools as you talk to admissions representatives. The following questions are a good starting point.

Questions to Ask Nursing School Colorado Options

• What is the NCLEX pass rate?
• How many students are employed in a nursing role six months after graduation?
• What types of clinical rotations do students complete?
• Are there additional support options for struggling students?
• What types of financial aid are available to nursing students?
• What percentage of students qualifies for financial aid?

2018 Career Outlook for Colorado Nurses

If you’re like many nursing students, you may look into the job outlook for each nursing role before deciding which degree is a good choice for you. Across the board, job growth in Colorado exceeds national job growth, so it’s a great place to get established as a nurse.

Students who graduate from Colorado licensed practical nursing degree programs may go on to seek licensure via the Colorado Board of Nursing. Licensed practical nurses earn an average of $44,090 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). From 2016 through 2026, job openings for licensed practical nurses are projected to grow 31% (O*Net, 2018). LPNs often work in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and home care facilities.

Students who earn their degree through RN programs or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs may seek registered nursing licensure. On average, Colorado RNs earn $70,550 per year (BLS, 2018). The demand for registered nurses may increase 33% between 2016 and 2026 throughout Colorado (O*Net, 2018).

There are numerous career paths that require a Master of Science in Nursing degree. However, one of the most in-demand roles is that of a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners can provide primary care to people of all ages, so they do a lot to help the growing healthcare shortage throughout the United States. Colorado NPs earn, on average, $$107,160 per year (BLS, 2018). A 36% boost in job openings is expected between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2018).

In response to the growing shortage of nurses, some nursing schools have expanded their nursing degree options (Durango Herald, 2017).  At the request of the health care industry, the Colorado Community College System is lobbying for passage of a bill to help address the state’s looming nursing shortage. It’s clear that this may be the ideal time to start building your nursing career.

The school you choose plays a big role in your success and your long-term career options, so don’t be afraid to spend some time looking for the best nursing degree in Colorado.

Changes in health care have made this an excellent time to consider a nursing career. Take your career to the next level by contacting nursing schools in Colorado for more information.